Endurance
Rides

Buffalo Run at Wood's Ranch

Offering 25/30 mile, 50 mile
and a 12.5 mile introductory Ride

Or you can print
one

All ages and abilities
From the youngest junior riders to seniors who have plenty of time to
travel far and wide to compete, riders from across the U.S. and Canada
have many things in common: a love for their equines, desire to ride on
scenic trails, and at least a little bit of competitive spirit. Riders
compete in endurance (50 or more miles) and limited distance (25-35 miles)
rides. AERC offers junior-level prizes in most categories, and all riders
may compete for regional and national awards, or just to earn mileage
awards with their favorite trail companion.

Challenging events
In endurance riding, the equine and rider are a team, and the challenge
is to complete the course with a horse that is "fit to continue."
A panel of control judges supervises the equines, each of which must pass
a pre-ride examination in order to start the event. During each ride are
set hold times, which vary in duration from a simple gate-and-go to one-hour
rest holds. During these holds, the equine's physical and metabolic parameters
are checked. The horse must pass the exam in order to continue on the
course. Each horse must also pass a post-ride exam in order to receive
credit for completing the course.

Educational and fun
Member education, through AERC's mentoring program and articles in Endurance
News, helps riders learn the latest tips and techniques for this exciting
sport. Learning together can be fun, and friendships spring up along the
trails as riders share their experiences and become part of AERC's "endurance
family."

A great family sport
Whether you are a competitor at heart or are looking for a sport for your
entire family, endurance riding has something for everyone. Endurance
riding combines the opportunity of riding a challenging course with your
equine partner and the fun and camaraderie of camping and socializing
with a group of individuals who share your same interests. The competition
itself is just part of the fun of this family-oriented sport.

Welcoming to beginners
The best way to get started in endurance riding is to volunteer at a local
ride, get your horse in shape, and read up on AERC's educational literature.
Mentors are committed to helping new members and answering their questions
about endurance riding. Once your equine and you are ready, it's time
to try a limited distance event of 25 to 35 miles. These rides are great
for newcomers to the sport, or those who prefer riding shorter distances.
Everyone who completes an AERC ride earns a completion award. But no award
can match the satisfaction of earning your first completion!

An advocate for trails
AERC is the nation's leader in encouraging the use, protection and development
of equestrian trails, especially those with historical significance. Many
events -- particularly multi-day rides -- take place over historic trails.
Such rides promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for
future generations, and foster an appreciation of our American heritage.

Then
you will be directed back here to pay online with PayPal! You may sign
liability releases upon entrance to the ranch.

Our Endurance
rides are Santioned by:

OCER Statement
of Philosophy:

"It is the
desire of this membership to encourage the education of equine enthusiasts,
to promote the preservation and use of trails, and to place the welfare
of the horse first and foremost. To this end, Ozark Country Endurance
Riders will follow American Endurance Ride Conference rules and guidelines.

To Finish is to Win
Fit to Continue
No Tolerance for Drug Use
Sportsmanship in Competition
Therefore, Ozark Country Endurance Rider’s sanctioned rides will
reflect the above philosophy both in management and participation while
members will do so by their conduct"